JoAnn (Stapleton) Taft

JoAnn Taft, 80 passed away November 6,2020 in Sunburst, MT. JoAnn was born January 4, 1940 in Cardston, Alberta, Canada to Samuel and Elsa Stapleton.

JoAnn’s mother died while she was young, and JoAnn came and stayed with her Aunt Marie and Walter Clark in 1956. While she was staying with them, and working for her family, she met the love of her life Ernest (Ernie) Taft.

They became high school sweethearts and were married at the Lutheran Church in Sunburst, September 2, 1961. JoAnn was a graduate of Northern Montana college with a two-year education degree. She went back  to school and got her bachelor’s degree and finished putting Ernie through college. She taught in Great Falls as a first-grade teacher, then a third-grade teacher in Havre. In 1969, Ernie and JoAnn leased an uncle’s farm, and later bought Ernie’s family farm, where they raised three children together.

JoAnn was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Sunburst where she worked and served effortlessly and without wanting recognition for our church and Lutheran World Relief. She was a Jaycee, Lions Club member, a community volunteer, and took the community to her heart. She was also known for her loving friendships.

JoAnn was a very outgoing person, who always had a smile and a kind word to share to everyone she met. She was a generous person who loved the Lord. She worked hard all her life right alongside Ernie, and she ended her farm years as the farm boss when Ernie retired.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, her son Mike, and several siblings. JoAnn is survived by her husband Ernest, her two daughters, Wendy (Jay) McAlpine, Brenda (Steven) Bonilla. Six grandchildren, and  8 great grandchildren and two more soon to be great grandchildren.

Any memorials can be given to the Lutheran Church of Sunburst or charity of your choice.